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Wednesday, 31 January 2018

Top five tips for helping autistic kids in wet weather

We used to think Anthony didn't like rainbows because rainbows in the sky meant it was raining. Anthony used to hate the rain. He said it hurt his face and he'd do anything to be out of it. He used to be scared of getting out of the car if it was wet outside. Now though we do much better and part of that is down to him learning about it and getting some things to help him in the wet.
Some kids love splashing around in the rain and in puddles and others, like Anthony did, don't. It's all to do with how we process the feelings and sensations. For some kids, including many with autism, processing how the rain feels is difficult and for others it's the greatest feeling in the world, to be explored again and again. Either way, we want our kids to be able to go out when we need them to without becoming hysterical. So here's our tips.

1. A coat that works for your kid

Obvious really, it's raining so we should put our coats on. But not all kids coats, suit all kids. Some kids will like the feeling of a full puffy jacket and others will want something lighter. A raincoat can sometimes feel stiff or make loud crinkly noises that some kids won't like. If you are looking to develop independence skills, poppers may be better than zips or toggles.

Lastly, don't forget the hood. Make sure it's soft and comfortable. Some hoods are skip like and will offer further protection from rain on sensitive faces. Our David won't have his hood up at all - because that's not how he is used to wearing his coat. I found waterproof beanie hats offer similar protection to a hood as they are water and wind proof.

If they can't stand getting wet at all, you might want to think about a full kids rain suit to keep them dry.

2. Keep their feet dry

Easier said than done with kids running around and jumping in puddles, or like my lot, simply not watching where they step.

We can't get wellington boots on our younger son at all - he wears shoes, the same ones all the time. He feels safe in the same shoes when he goes out. It's pretty common for autistic kids to want to wear their same shoes, even if the weather is different.

Sometimes it's less about the rain and more about understanding what's going on. Kids with autism won't always necessarily pick up on the same social cues that others will as to what's going to happen.

A child may actually be fine going out in the rain if they know it's to go to the toy store, Grandma's house or whatever else. Think about how you would best communicate with your child, whether PECS or otherwise, about what's going to happen, give them notice and they may be fine about going out, even in the rain.

4. Think about sound

Remember that crinkly coat? And have you heard rain hammering on the path? All these noises can be heightened if you are a child with autism or sensory processing difficulties. And it's not just the wet rain, I've seen the same thing when it's windy too.

A waterproof hat may help with this, especially if it was under a hood. Kids ear muffs or ear defenders may work for others. Go for whatever interests you child. Anthony wouldn't wear any until we presented him with super hero ear muffs and then it worked. Appealing to a special interest can help.

5. On the go

For some, being caught off guard in the rain is a meltdown moment. Carrying a kids poncho or other light waterproof can help when kids get upset by a sudden down pour. Sometimes it's just enough to know that 'we do this' when it rains.

However, try not to surprise a child with their poncho - make sure you practice putting it on a few times and explain why it might be used before it's first outing. That way it will be something familiar and a help, not something strange and further cause for anguish.

... and finally one last suggestion..

Don't be afraid to change plans! Although we often go places when the weather looks grey for hope that it will be a bit quieter, if the weather is really bad we'll cancel plans. We've learned that there is no point in pushing through when we are done for the day, whatever the reason. Best just to make sure an autistic child knows you are going before you leave, so they understand what's happening.

What tips do you have?

This post contained a giveaway that has now closed. See Rafflecopter for details.

Conditions: UK Residents only. Entrants must be aged over 18. Entry is via Rafflecopter. Entries can be made up until midnight on Friday 16th February 2018. One winner will be chosen from all valid entries at random the day after closing. The winner will be contacted within a week of the closing date and have one week to respond. The Prize is one kids waterproof hat from Dexshell (chosen and sent direct from Dexshell). An alternative product of similar or higher value may be sent if stock is unavailable. No cash alternative.

When I contacted Dexshell they kindly sent us some of their waterproof items for purpose of review.

Start with base layers, then a very good mid-layer such as a micro-fleece, gilet or a soft-shell jacket and then add outer layers which are coats and waterproof trousers. Add hats, gloves and waterproof footwear such as lined wellies or snow boots.

I think these tips could be used with every child. I especially like the one about being done for the day - sometimes its best to just admit you would be better off adjusting your plans, instead of stubbornly pushing on.#accesslinky

This is a brilliant list.My kids are the opposite, in that both love all weathers, especially my sensory girl! She's a huge sensory seeker and loves the feel of the rain on her face and wind in her hair so good waterproofs are essential! However she does feel the cold so we do a lot of layering of clothes to try and keep warm and dry. J is a wheelchair user, so we love our bundle bean showerproof wheelchair cover and I also keep a poncho in my bag to pop over her and the chair if it's really wet! Also if it's really chilly we sometimes pop a microwaveable warmer lion on her lap under the bundlebean :-)Thank you for joining up with #accesslinky

Some really helpful tips here. I didn't know you could get waterproof socks, and these are actually be ideal for my family so I'm going pick some up. I live in Wales so we certainly get plenty of rain! #KCACOLS

Some great tips here, and those waterproof socks seem brilliant! Our Penguin likes to have his hood up, if the weather gets annoying (too windy, too wet, or too cold). It also works as a great way for him to screen off surrounding input for a while, for other things than weather too. And I'm all for changing plans if the conditions aren't right on the day 👍x#AccessLinky

I love the last point. This weekend just gone I was adamant we were going out together - whatever the weather, but as the rain hammered down I realised sometimes you just have to accept defeat!Great giveaway - I have entered ;-)Thanks for sharing with #coolmumclub x MMT

Lots of helpful ideas. My little boy isn't autistic but has very specific ideas about what clothes he will and won't tolerate, this could partly be to do with his eczema or because he overheats, I'm not sure. Today he wore his spare coat and he was not happy at all with the hood and the way it felt on his face. He just couldn't cope with it :( #kcacols

Always a waterproof coat with a hood, gloves, scarfs and hats! Also, if it is rainy, we try to always have an umbrella and layer up if possible! If these items are waterproof, it really helps! Fingers crossed! :)

A good friend of mine's little guy is also autistic but LOVES rain. To the point where she's been known to stand in the garden at 2am in the rain with him so he can calm down and finally sleep. I will definitely send this to her so she can peruse your tips. #KCACOLS

Kids can be very difficult when it comes to wearing the right clothes for the weather! Mine love to have their hoods down when it's raining and let their hair get wet! They drive me mad! I don't have experience of autistic children but these are some great tips to make outings that bit easier x #kcacols

I am usually the umbrella holder. My younger two girls hate the feel of wellington boots so refuse to wear them so unfortunatley their footwear spends more time drying on the radiators than on their feet but its all part and parcel of being their mum. Love the fact the hats are not rubbery material

Up North its mandatory during winter months for wellies, raincoat, scarf, gloves and for the kids I always make sure they have vests and thick socks on. They should then be wrapped up against the rain and snow we have been getting!

My daughter has similar issue with clothes and shoes and if she doesn't like something or has her heart set on wearing a specific thing she won't change it regardless of the weather. She is getting better as she gets older but you are so right with making sure your kids are comfortable and happy with what they have on especially in rain #kcacols

I really had no idea about most of this! Your post has made me realise just how naive I am to the differences in children and the complex needs of children with autism. Keep educating people, you’re doing a great job! #KCACOLS

What is Autism?It's so much I couldn't possibly try and explain. For us it's wonderful and heart-breaking. Joyous and truthful. But as far as diagnosis is concerned, why not have a look at the National Autistic Society for their definition of Autism.

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